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Foreign Languages

Foreign language is a branch of the language arts that involves the study of languages other than one’s own. At the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, The Department of Foreign Languages offers liberal art and teaching majors and minors in French, German, and Spanish. In addition to these options, the Department of Foreign Languages offers a Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) minor, and a certificate and minor in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Students of Spanish may also wish to consider the Latin American Studies major or minor located within the Multidisciplinary Programs Department. Spanish and German students wishing to use their language skills in a business setting may also choose a "Business/Professions Emphasis.”

What will I learn from studying Foreign Languages?

Knowledge:

A student in Foreign Languages at UW – Eau Claire will learn to communicate proficiently in a language other than English, develop cultural awareness and sensitivity and expand knowledge and promote appreciation and tolerance for other cultures.

Skills:

  • Think logically and make analogies
  • Organize and memorize detailed information
  • Proficient at clarifying, and responding skills
  • High proficiency in reading, speaking and writing
  • Comfortable with phonetics and sound imitation

What are some of the interests and values related to Foreign Languages?

  • Intellectual Growth
  • Linguistic ability
  • Adaptability
  • Patience
  • Tolerance and sensitivity

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

  • El Club Espanol (Spanish)
  • Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish)
  • Delta Phi Alpha (German)
  • Der Deutsche Verein (German)
  • Le Salon Francais (French)
  • Pi Delta Phi (French)

Professional:

What career fields are related to the Foreign Language Degree?

Potential Employers:

Foreign language graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Students who have completed the Foreign Language program at UW – Eau Claire are able to obtain employment in a variety of fields.

Examples of some areas include academia, arts, media, entertainment, government, business, travel industry, museums and book publishers.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Bilingual Educator
  • Banking Correspondent
  • Civil Service Employee
  • Interpreter/Translator/Guide
  • Museum Curator
  • Foreign Social Worker
  • Medical professions

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Foreign Language graduates?

  • Bilingual Executive Assistant, Hycite Corp., Madison, WI
  • Educational Assistant/Spanish Interpreter, Stevens Point Public School, Stevens Point, WI
  • Elementary English Teacher, Valladolid, Spain
  • Bilingual Scheduler/ Receptionist, Gary Hall Laser Center, Phoenix, AZ

How can I learn more about Foreign Languages?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

  • Great Jobs for Foreign Language Majors, Julie DeGalan and Stephen Lambert
  • Careers in Foreign Languages, Blythe Camenson
  • Careers for Foreign Language Aficionados and Other Multilingual Types, H.Ned Seelye and J. Laurence Day
  • Opportunities in Foreign Language Careers , Wilga M. Rivers
  • Opportunities in Travel Careers , Robert Milne & Marguerite Backhausen

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Foreign Languages?

Study Abroad Experience for Undergraduates

At UW – Eau Claire, students are encouraged to develop their language skills by participating in a Study Abroad program. Those wishing to obtain a teaching license in Wisconsin must participate in a study abroad program. The Center for International Education.

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Foreign Language that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Foreign Language department chair about enrolling in FLG 375 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in FLG 395, GERM 395, 399 or 499, FREN 395, 399 or 499 or SPAN 395, 399 or 499.